Based on your request I'm guessing your not a fan of the genre. 
Personally, I like Jazz quite a bit and generally prefer instramental over vocal. I simply haven't purchased much music over the past couple of years, however, and was looking for some new ideas (and that doesn't necessarily imply recent music, just new to me). To be honest, I intend to pilfer the suggestion list for my own use as well... I expect a buying binge to ensue once I get my new system in place!
Has the recipient ever mentioned anyone they do like. Thay way we could provide recommendations of similar music.
Anything more specific on taste? Live vs. studio? Fusion vs. "traditional"?
He isn't very strict or narrowly focused in his listening habits. He simply knows what he likes. Much of the time, he may not even know who the artist is even if he does enjoy the music. (Of course, I'm the same way with much of what you hear on the radio these days.) Live and studio are both fine, and I suspect that he would enjoy both traditional and fusion depending on his mood.
As a personality indicator, this is someone that will get up and leave the room if a movie plot slows down too much... so keeping the music lively and interesting is a plus. That doesn't mean it needs to be a percussion fest or totally in your face... just keep the long mellow passages to a minimum!
And is the gift for an audiophile? (ie is sound quality a big factor?)
No, I can't say that he is a big audiophile, and to be honest, much of the listening will be done in a car (Bose) as he drives a great deal for work. This was the reason I specified "up-tempo" in the request... didn't want any dozing at the wheel!
However, my afore-mentioned pilfering of the resulting suggestions will be at a more "audiophile" level!
Thanks for the feedback so far!
